Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of Rotimi Akeredolu, the late former governor of Ondo State, has vowed that she would not allow Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa destroy her husband’s legacies.

She was reacting to the commissioning of Ondo Investment House and new fire trucks by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The former Ondo First Lady, in a statement on her X handle, said she would fight with her last breath to ensure her late husband’s legacies are sustained.

She said it was uncharitable for Governor Aiyedatiwa to delay distribution of the fire trucks that were delivered when her husband was still alive.

According to her, “the most uncharitable act was the delay in distributing the fire trucks which were paid for and taken delivery while Aketi was alive.

“I knew when the delivery was made. Why keep them for over two years to score a cheap political point?

“I’m sure there were times when the services of those fire trucks were needed in the past two years. How callous can a governor get?

“Several women had called me, asking, ‘Are those trucks distributed not the same trucks parked in front of the Old Governor’s Lodge?’

“Of course, they are!

“Blatantly lying and pretending or faking innocence is the most annoying thing about Lucky.

“However, we won’t relent in calling him out. The evil men do lives after them.

“As long as I’m alive, he won’t succeed in rubbishing Aketi’s legacies.

“If nobody fights, I will, for sure, with my last breath.”

Government officials approached by our correspondent for reaction declined comments.

A top official who pleaded anonymity said it was better to ignore the former First Lady

In what will come across as a really startling development, three Nigerian youngsters have been arrested over their bid to remove a six-month-old foetus for money ritual in Minna, Niger State capital.

It was learnt that the suspects, Martha Andrew, James Luka and Johnson John, had lured a pregnant woman from Rafin-Yashin area of Minna to a hotel along the Eastern Bye-pass in Minna in a bid to remove the foetus for ritual purposes.

According to the suspects, they had promised to pay the victim N30 million if she could have a miscarriage while still in the hotel.

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the incident, said the three suspects were tracked and arrested by police operatives of the SCID, Minna around a hotel along Eastern Bye-Pass, Minna.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that the allegations filed against them were conspiracy and attempt to cause miscarriage.

“The suspects were arrested as they conspired to take a pregnant victim from Rafin-Yashi area of Minna to one ‘Gbege’ presently at large.

“They lured the victim with a promise to pay her N30 million naira to remove her six-month-old pregnancy for ritual purposes.”

In another incident, a 23-year-old Hashimu Sani has been arrested for stabbing 20 years old Musa Bala to death.

Residents around Kotonkoro village said that Sani had been boasting that he could get away with killing anybody.

The Niger State Police spokesperson, Abiodun Wasiu, also confirmed the incident, saying that the suspect was arrested by the police operatives of Kotonkoro attached to Bangi Division, adding that he was arrested with two knives stained with suspected blood.

He said that when questioned, the suspect could not state any reason for his action or any altercation between him and the deceased, pointing out that it was established that the suspect is a drug addict.

“He has been transferred to SCID for further investigation and prosecution,” Wasiu said

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has looked back on his life and marriage, calling his late wife, Maryam Babangida, the cornerstone of both his personal and professional life.

He credited her unwavering support, intelligence, and vision for shaping both his career and her own transformative role as Nigeria’s First Lady.

IBB shared these reflections in his memoir, A Journey in Service, which was released to the public in Abuja. In the book, he detailed how his relationship with Maryam began before the Nigerian Civil War and evolved into a lifelong partnership that played a crucial role in his leadership and governance.

IBB’s journey with Maryam began long before his rise to power, tracing back to their early days in Bida, where they first met. However, it was after surviving a near-death experience during the Nigerian Civil War that he realized the need for stability and companionship.

“THE ARMY DID not issue me a wife, but it made clear that having one would assist in career advancement. A stable family is a criterion for judging officers. After my first close encounter with death in the Civil War, I prioritized establishing a stable family life.

“My relationship with Maryam, born Maria in Asaba on November 1, 1948, was connected to my youth in Bida. Garba Duba, my friend from secondary school, and I entered Course Six at the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna on December 10, 1962.

“The initiation at NMTC was harsh. Duba left after a few days, telling his father he wasn’t suited for army life. His father gathered us for a pep talk, which prepared us for our future as officers.

“I first met Maria at Duba’s house. Duba’s aunt, Asabe, was Maria’s mother. We shared digs in Kaduna, and I saw more of her. Duba was like a brother to her, which allowed me to spend time with Maria.

“Young military officers often had short-lived liaisons, myself included. Despite this, I was fond of Maria, and she grew fond of me. Our relationship felt predestined. At NMTC, I became more aware of her. We remained friends through my early army years, including training abroad.

“In April 1967, I left for a four-month course in the UK, but I was recalled in July due to political turmoil. By the time I returned, the nation was at war,” he wrote.

His near-fatal injury in 1969, during combat near Umuahia, forced him into deep reflection. Lying in a hospital bed, he resolved to build a stable family, and Maryam became the natural choice. He admired her reserved nature and upbringing, and despite his reputation as a ladies’ man, he was determined to convince her.

IBB stated, “Upon my return, I was posted to the war front and saw action. In April 1969, during our advance towards Umuahia, I was shot, and shrapnel lodged in my chest. I was evacuated to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). While convalescing, I reflected on my fortune in surviving and the future ahead. As the only male child, I was troubled that my death would end my family name.

“This was the first time I seriously considered finding a wife. At 28, it felt like time to settle down. The marriage of General Gowon to Victoria further focused my thoughts on marriage. Lying in bed, I recalled past relationships, often thinking of Maria Okogwu and her beauty.

“Maria’s father, Leonard Okogwu, worked in the Survey department and traveled widely. He married Hajiya Asabe Halima Mohammed from Kontagora. After his retirement, Maria and her siblings lived with their mother in Kaduna.

“Maria attended Queen Amina College and the Federal Training Centre in Kaduna. During the crisis before the Civil War, her uncle adopted her and her siblings, leading to the surname King on our marriage certificate.

“I had chosen Maria before leaving the hospital. After my discharge, I went to Kaduna to share my intentions. I admired her reserved nature and upbringing, and I was determined not to accept No. Fortune favored me, and I felt lucky.”

Maryam was initially skeptical of IBB’s sincerity, wary of his reputation. Despite this, he enlisted the support of her family, particularly her uncle, to win her over. He also assured her that he would remain faithful and avoid polygamy, a promise he upheld throughout their marriage.

IBB reminisced, “Initially, Maria was sceptical of me as marriage material due to my past. She doubted my seriousness, and others echoed her concerns. However, her family had no objections, and I enlisted help from Garba Duba’s father to strengthen my proposal.

“Once I showed my seriousness, Maria considered becoming Mrs. Babangida. I explained my faith and asked her to convert to Islam, which was not difficult for her given her background. She adapted easily to married life as a Muslim.

“In my proposal, I assured her I would not take multiple wives, understanding that avoiding polygamy would lead to a stable family life. I wanted a true partner, and she exceeded my expectations.

“After securing her promise, I returned to the war front, then we married on September 6, 1969, in Kaduna, following Islamic rites after her conversion.

“Many, including friends, doubted my ability to stay faithful, but I promised to uphold my marriage vows, which I did.

“After marriage, I was deployed to the Nigerian Defence Academy for two years, allowing us to settle as newlyweds. Maryam proved to be an excellent housewife, actively involved in my meals and our relationship. We handled disagreements independently and rarely quarreled.

“Maryam wanted to be more than a housewife; she recognized the importance of the home front in our mutual success. Throughout my career, she stood beside me.

“Observers may find it surprising that a focused woman could also be a devoted wife and mother. For me, her commitment to our family and country was the foundation of her success.”

As IBB’s career progressed, Maryam became more than just a supportive wife—she actively reshaped the role of First Lady. She led initiatives to improve the lives of military families and, later, Nigerian women at large, pioneering projects that elevated her to an iconic status in governance.

“After I became Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in 1983, Maryam began to show the country her remarkable qualities and clear vision. As President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), she was proactive, launching schools, clinics, women’s training centers, and child day-care centers to improve the lives of army officers’ families. Her activism as President of NAOWA inadvertently brought us into the limelight as a power couple,” the former military leader recalled.

Through the Better Life for Rural Women Programme, Maryam championed women’s empowerment, education, and economic development, leaving a legacy that outlived her. Her influence extended beyond Nigeria, inspiring other African First Ladies to take active roles in societal development.

IBB stated, “As I look back on those activities during my time as COAS, I see the seeds of Maryam’s activist interpretation of the first lady’s role. Evidence of Maryam as a go-getter came when I attended a military course in the United States. Maryam accompanied me and took a course at La Salle University in Chicago.

“During that time in the U.S., she showed particular interest in Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She read and inquired about her, clearly admiring her supportive role. I suspect she wanted to model herself on FDR’s wife, learning about the role of a supportive wife and wanting to work alongside me to help achieve my goals. Like Eleanor Roosevelt, the ‘pet project’ became a means of doing good. I appreciated her immeasurably for this.

“I admired her clarity of mind in knowing the extraordinary demands on senior military officers at that time. The Home Front was a concept she embraced. Maryam knew from the outset that I made and kept numerous friends. Since I became Chief of Army Staff, the traffic through our home increased, and she was charming and gracious to our guests.

“After my teaching assignment at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), I rose through the military hierarchy, primarily due to the excellently marshalled home front. Many of my assignments straddled military and government functions because the military was in power for an extended period.

“In 1985, after the coup that removed General Buhari, I served as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. Maryam and I were a team. Leading the government meant I had even less time for domestic duties. I was grateful to her for ensuring our children did not feel my absence too much.

“Maryam always left a place positively impacting it and those around her. Nowhere was this better demonstrated than during my time as head of state. It would not be hyperbole to describe her as Nigeria’s most effective First Lady. She reshaped the position as she conceived it.

“Let me clarify. There have been other worthy wives of Nigerian heads of state, each performing their role to the best of their ability. Our constitution does not recognize the role of a First Lady, so each occupant must define the role. Maryam took things to another level.

“She knew I intended to alter our nation’s evolution across various social and economic indices and saw an opportunity to positively affect the lives of women, specifically rural women. Her thinking aligned with our desire to transform the social ecosphere, so I had no difficulty allowing her the leeway she required.

“I would not have contemplated this were it not for my confidence in her. We shared our thoughts, and I was satisfied with her plans as they evolved. Her years as President of NAOWA presaged what lay ahead. Her clarity of thinking enabled her to reshape the role of First Lady in Nigeria and beyond, synchronizing the women’s agenda with our development agenda. She contributed to greater participation of women in society and government.

“I recognized that women were significantly underrepresented in national development, although rural women were a mainstay in agriculture. My contributions included appointing female state commissioners and Deputy Governors. This backdrop enabled Maryam to create her outstanding work for alleviating women’s poverty—the Better Life for Rural Women programme.

“Her approach was systematic. She gathered a team of like-minded women, many academics, and assessed the plight of rural women by traveling around the country. This culminated in a Women in Rural Development workshop in Abuja in 1987.

“Maryam and her team devised a clear plan. Key touch points included adult education, co-operatives, improved agricultural practices, food processing, preservation, marketing, and healthcare. As Chairperson of the Programme, she was supported by a National Organisation Committee, replicated at state and local levels.

“The extensive survey ensured a connection between the programme’s goals and what was required to achieve them. Mass participation was its mantra, which proved vital to its success.

“Many erroneously believed I made special funding provisions; I did no such thing. The programme’s worthiness ensured funding through self-help and voluntary donations. I gave Maryam a relatively free hand because I believed in her and the good she aimed to achieve.

“By 1991, four years after its commencement, rural women’s income-generating capacity improved as they embraced self-help. The emphasis on agricultural produce and rural arts and crafts brought appreciable benefits. Rural women were generating more income and contributing to better lives for their families.

“Maryam’s efforts dovetailed with ongoing government programmes in primary healthcare and family planning. Adult literacy campaigns ramped up, and a National Centre for Women’s Development was established in Abuja.

“The overall impact of the Better Life for Rural Women Programme was incredible. By its fourth anniversary, the Programme had registered 7,635 corporations, 997 cottage industries, 1,751 new farms, 487 Better Life shops, 419 women’s centres, and 163 social welfare programmes.

“Rather than merely being a First Lady’s pet project, the Programme mobilized rural women for self-development and political participation.

“Maryam championed the plight and welfare of children everywhere, and her efforts did not go unnoticed. In 1991, the US-based Hunger Project recognized her contributions.”

IBB credits Maryam’s strength, devotion, and intelligence for making him a better leader and a better man. Even after her passing in 2009, he admits that his life remains divided into two—before and after Maryam.

“I never imagined Maryam would pass before me, but life is in Allah’s hands. My life is divided into before and after December 2009 (when she was here & since she’s been gone).

“I’m often asked why I fully supported the Better Life for Rural Women Programme. The answer is simple: Maryam and her team researched thoroughly and followed the evidence. It aligned with our socio-economic goals. She ran a tight ship at home—strict and disciplined—so I knew she’d approach this with the same dedication.

“She was resourceful and worked hard to establish an office for the First Lady, converting the old squash court at Dodan Barracks. My Political Adviser, Dr. Tunji Olagunju, assisted with logistics.

“Maryam was confident, intentional, and comfortable with people. She had native intelligence and made the most of every day as a wife, mother, advocate, and partner. We shielded our children from public scrutiny and decided together what was best for them.

“I’m grateful for our life together and our children. Coping without her is hard, but her memories and lasting impact make it easier,” IBB concluded

Hafsat Abiola-Costello, daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has asserted that former military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s acknowledgment of her father’s victory in the June 12, 1993, presidential election does not undo the pain and injustice endured by her family and the Nigerian people.

Former Nigerian military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida had, for the first time, expressed deep regret over the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.

Speaking at the launch of his autobiography, "A Journey in Service" in Abuja on Thursday, the 83-year-old former leader acknowledged the turmoil caused by the decision, which derailed Nigeria’s transition to democracy.

The election, held on June 12, 1993, was meant to end a decade of military rule.

However, the Babangida government annulled the results, triggering nationwide protests and political instability.

The widely acclaimed winner, Chief MKO Abiola, was later imprisoned, and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, was assassinated during the struggle for democracy.

However, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, in a statement on Friday, noted that whenever June 12 is mentioned, she thinks of her parents, MKO and Kudirat Abiola, who both played key roles in the struggle for democracy.

She emphasized that the significance of the date goes beyond her family, as it represents the collective hope of Nigerians for a better and more united country.

The statement reads, “When anyone mentions June 12, my mind always goes to MKO and Kudi. But June 12’s staying power was because the vote that Nigerians expressed that day was a vote for a better future and for unity.

“MKO may have been the symbol of the Hope ‘93 campaign but June 12 was about more than one man, it was about the promise of Nigeria that would deliver for Nigerians.

“For those that kept expressing doubt that Nigerians had spoken so decisively on that day, I’m glad that General IBB’s admission that MKO won the election can now lay the matter to rest.

“It’s sad that such a galvanising statement as the breakthrough vote for MKO should have been truncated by an unjust annulment. But I will be forever grateful to both MKO and Kudi for not allowing their fears for their personal safety to stand in the way of the people’s desire for a better Nigeria. May such commitment endure.”

Operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ogun State Police Command, on Thursday, foiled a kidnapped attempt along the Warewa axis of the long bridge on the Lagos -Ibadan highway.

The incident, according to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, happened at about 20:30 hours, as the operatives responded swiftly to a distress call by members of the public.

The statement revealed that a white paragon commercial vehicle marked BDG 735 YH, driven by one Morufu Adedeji inwards Lagos, was ambushed by armed men on a section of the road.

The suspected kidnappers were reported to have wielded dangerous weapons at the passengers of the vehicle and halted its movement further.

The driver of the vehicle was said to have made a way for some passengers to escape by opening a rear door, a development that enraged the kidnappers.

They were reported to have pounced on the driver aggressively and dispossessed their victims of their belongings. 

The alarm raised by some motorists made the anti-kidnapping patrol team to engage the hoodlums, leaving four dead, while others escaped with bullet injuries.

Items recovered from the scene were one locally made pistol with two cartridges; two daggers; ca ash sum of N20,000; one techno android phone; one solar power Bank and three USB lights(suspected to be stolen property).

The bodies of the neutralized kidnappers have been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the area of criminal activities, and further strengthening security in that area he has reinforced tactical operatives to remain stationed at strategic flashpoints, in Arepo and heightened routine patrols to ensure the security of residents and commuters.

The Command urged members of the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. Citizens are also advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station

The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue its Visa-on-Arrival policy, citing inefficiencies in the current system. In its place, the government will introduce landing and exit cards, which prospective visitors will be required to complete before entering the country.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday during the closing ceremony of a week-long capacity-building training on Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for national security and law enforcement. The event was held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo revealed that individuals of interest have been attempting to bypass the new systems implemented at Nigeria’s five international airports. Intelligence reports indicate that some of these individuals are now traveling to neighboring countries to enter Nigeria through its extensive land borders. In response, the minister stated that the ministry will collaborate with relevant partners to deploy the API/PNR system across land borders, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot become a haven for criminals.

At the event, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, noted that the initiative stemmed from discussions with the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism during a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, last year. Nandap praised the NIS for its well-trained and patriotic personnel, who are committed to serving the nation.

Objective Profiling and Automation

The Interior Minister stressed that the API/PNR system is mandatory and marks a shift from subjective to objective profiling in immigration decisions. He explained that the current visa system is largely subjective, lacking the necessary rigor for effective migration management and security.

“The visa is not just an entry approval; it is a migration management and security tool,” Tunji-Ojo said. “The current system is too subjective, which is why we are automating the entire process end-to-end. We are working towards launching the e-visa solution by March 1, or at the latest, April 1. This system will integrate with Interpol and criminal records databases to ensure thorough background checks before visas are issued.”

He added that the new system will eliminate the practice of foreign attachés approving and issuing visas, ensuring that all applicants are thoroughly screened. “Nigeria cannot be a destination for wanted criminals. We are committed to making sure our country is not a safe haven for any criminal,” he stated.

Integrated Immigration Solutions

The minister also highlighted plans to integrate various immigration solutions into a centralized data center. This will enable seamless communication between different systems, ensuring that all immigration decisions are made with real-time input from Interpol, criminal records systems, and other background-checking agencies.

“We want to harmonize our databases and ensure that all solutions work together, rather than operating in silos,” Tunji-Ojo said. “For any immigration-related decision, it will be impossible to grant approvals without clearance from relevant security agencies. Security is not an area where you can afford to be 99.9% correct.”

Landing and Exit Cards

Under the new system, visitors will be required to fill out landing cards, which will be integrated with the visa and passport systems, as well as global background-checking databases. This data will be shared with other agencies worldwide to enhance security and streamline the immigration process.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for accountability in immigration management. “It is unacceptable that the NIS cannot instantly provide the number of foreigners in Nigeria. It is unacceptable for someone to enter the country, disappear, and become untraceable. It is unacceptable for immigration policies to be abused, or for individuals to wait six months to regularize their residency. These practices are not tolerated anywhere in the world,” he said.

Reforms for National and International Security

The minister outlined that the reforms, set to take effect between March 1 and April 1, aim to safeguard Nigerians, uphold the country’s responsibilities in the international community, and contribute to global peace. “These reforms are necessary to protect our people, maintain our reputation among nations, and fulfill our role in promoting international security,” he concluded.

A human rights activist and President of the Centre for Change, Joe Odumakin, has strongly criticized former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), over what she called a “hatchet job” to “mislead the present generation of Nigerians.”

Naija News reports that Odumakin, in a statement on Friday, particularly objected to Babangida’s “Maradona-style double-speak,” noting that in “one breath, he took responsibility for annulling June 12” while also shifting blame to the late General Sani Abacha, who served as his Chief of Army Staff.

She said, “It is indeed ridiculous that Babangida would stoop to accusing a dead man of such a heinous crime, knowing full well that the accused can never defend himself.

“It is indeed ridiculous that Babangida, as the Commander-in-Chief of that junta, could descend so low to accuse a dead man of such a heinous crime, knowing fully well that the accused would forever remain silent.

“Has Babangida forgotten that as the Head of State, he had the power to sack Abacha if, indeed, the latter had threatened the people’s mandate given to Abiola?

“Has IBB forgotten that his so-called transition to the civil room programme was not only long and winding but also full of booby traps?”

According to Odumakin, it was clear that Babangida’s transition programme was not designed to hand power over to a democratic government.

She cited the “banning, unbanning, and rebanning of political associations and individuals” as further evidence that IBB harboured no real intention of relinquishing power.

“We recall that he postponed the hand over date to a democratically elected government on two occasions in 1990 and 1992 before cancelling the election in 1993. Will he also blame Abacha for those postponements?

“What about the banning, unbanning and rebanning of political associations and individuals? Would Abacha also take the blame for that? It was an open secret that Babangida’s transition to civil rule programme was not designed to achieve a real hand over of power to democratic Government,” she stated.

The Osun State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has announced its withdrawal from the Saturday local government election, citing security concerns and inadequate preparations by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

LP Chairman in Osun State, Adebayo Bello, made the announcement on Friday while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo.

He called for the election’s postponement by one or two months to enable OSSIEC to adequately prepare and resolve legal issues surrounding the poll.

“The postponement would allow the electoral umpire to resolve the legal issues surrounding the conduct of the election,” Bello stated.

Chairmanship Candidate Speaks On Withdrawal

Similarly, LP’s Chairmanship Candidate, Oyebode Babalola, said the party would not participate in the election due to concerns about security arrangements.

“Although we are ready for the election, we are not going to participate due to security concerns,” he said.

Babalola alleged that there were signs the election might be disrupted and that the party did not want to endanger its supporters.

“We have seen some traces that the election might be disrupted tomorrow, and we are not ready to put the lives of our people in jeopardy,” he added.

He also criticized OSSIEC for inadequate preparations, stating that the party’s agents were denied accreditation tags before the withdrawal decision.

APM Also Pulls Out, Expresses Disappointment

Naija News gathered that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has also withdrawn from the election, citing similar concerns over OSSIEC’s preparations.

APM Chairman, Adewale Adebayo expressed disappointment over the electoral body’s handling of the process. He revealed that when he attempted to officially submit the party’s withdrawal letter on Thursday, no OSSIEC official was present to receive it.

“We want to confirm that we are not participating in the illegal local government election slated for Saturday,” Adebayo declared.

A former Assistant Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, has provided insight into the DSS operation at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ngoshe confirmed that the House of Assembly invited the DSS due to anticipated violence linked to the ongoing leadership crisis.

“What played out in Lagos had a build-up. And all this build-up was covered by the State Security Service. At the point that the situation was almost getting out of hand, there was a situation to save,” Ngoshe explained.

DSS Acted To Prevent Crisis

According to Ngoshe, intelligence suggested a high likelihood of unrest, prompting the DSS to intervene before events escalated.

“If you do not stop that thing from happening, it becomes useless. So the DSS did a lot of undercover activities. There were a lot of happenings, a lot of goings on that took place before the DSS went into the House of Assembly in Lagos,” he said.

Ngoshe further emphasized that security agencies do not need to wait for explicit orders to act in situations that pose risks to lives, properties, and national institutions.

“If you’re working as a security agency and you see trouble breaking out, the probability of loss of lives, damage to property is very high. Why do you need somebody to come and tell you that you should go and act when you know that is your responsibility?” he questioned.

He stressed that securing government institutions, including the legislature, is a primary duty of the DSS and other security forces.

“The House of Assembly of a state is a political institution, an arm of government. It is one of the cardinal responsibilities of the State Security Service to protect that institution and make sure it works where it is threatened,” he stated.

Ngoshe highlighted the importance of timeliness in security operations, warning that any delay could result in a failure to prevent an incident.

“In security operations, timelines are very key, because any delay to take action on a particular intelligence might lead to that action being carried out. And the moment it is carried out, there is a failure,” he concluded.